Mikel Arteta says that ‘sharing the goals around will make a big impact’ as three different Arsenal stars found the net in a resounding 5-0 win over Crystal Palace.
The win moves the Gunners level on points with Manchester City & two behind leaders Liverpool, although both have a game in hand. After a run of four games without a win, an early goal was crucial & it came from centre back Gabriel, to the delight of Arteta.
“He has got this ability and the timing & deliveries have been really consistent. Others like Willie [Saliba] have this capacity to score more goals,” Arteta said.
“We don’t have 30-40 goals from someone so we need to share them. This is a good quality of the team.
“Really pleased with the clean sheet first, which is something that we’ve been lacking to win games with the amount of goal scorers.
“Sharing the goals as well, which I think is going to make a big impact on the team.”
Arsenal scored their first two from set pieces, continuing their superb record from dead-ball situations this season, scoring ten which is the best in the Premier League.
With Arsenal’s recent struggles in front of goal from open play, adding three in the second half was well needed not just for the team but for players like Gabriel Martinelli who scored a brace late on to end his five-game goal drought in the league.
“I think that is going to make him very good,” said his manager.
“Sometimes when you are in that period and, as well, he had a little issue the last few days in training. He wasn’t fully, fully fit.
“That changes the momentum and the perception. It re-energises you and I think it’s a good thing.”
Arsenal now have a two-week break till they travel to Nottingham Forest & Arteta intends to keep his squad fit & injury free.
“At the moment, we are really short in numbers so we really have to manage a few players, especially those who have played so much football.
“Then we have good training blocks. One to train really hard & one to use more for game preparation. So, we are going to try to maximise that.”
